POLICE in Northern Ireland have arrested a man on suspicion of manslaughter and facilitating illegal entry into the United Kingdom after 35 immigrants were found in a container that arrived at the Port of Tilbury.

One man, Meet Singh Kapoor, 40, died. 15 children were among the stowaways, who were fleeing religious persecution in Afghanistan.

The container was discovered at the port on Saturday, August 16,

A man aged 34 from Limavady, was arrested just after midday at Banbridge on the A1. He is currently in the custody of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) pending his transportation to the mainland for questioning by Essex Police.

PSNI officers are also carrying out a search of his home address to assist the Essex Police investigation.

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Martin Pasmore, of Essex Police, said: "This is a fast-moving investigation which has already involved a number of police forces and law enforcement agencies from across the United Kingdom and Europe.

"I am very grateful to officers from the PSNI for their assistance this morning. We will continue to work closely with all of our policing colleagues as we pursue our investigation to bring those responsible for this crime to justice."